From top model to behind-the-scenes recruiter, Billy Jones is looking for fresh modeling talent to groom.

By the late 1970s, Billy Jones was a top model whose photos graced the cover of magazines like Ebony. (Photo by Michael Freeman).ALTAMONTE SPRINGS – In the late 1970s, Billy Jones embarked on a career as an actor, but soon discovered he had a talent for something else: modeling.
Within a few years, “I was one of the top models in the country,” he recalls.
Raised in New Jersey, Jones decided early on that he wanted an exciting and flashy career. He got it.
“I told mom and dad that I didn’t want to go to college, but I wanted to go to acting school,” he said, and he enrolled in the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts.
One of his teachers felt he had better options than hunting for off-Broadway roles.
“My teacher said ‘Bill, actors are the most unemployed people in the world. Why don’t you go into modeling?’, “ he said, and he followed that advice. And while his career turned out to be a very successful one – he was soon gracing the covers of popular magazines like Ebony – he had one problem: the clock was ticking. Back then, he said, the life of a model could be cruelly short.
“They want you up to (age) 25,” he said.
Today, Jones is still in the field of modeling, but in a very different way. He now has his own fashion and photography studio at Uptown Altmonte, where he recruits modeling talent and helps them grow their careers. What changed for him is that as the modeling field began turning its back on those getting too old to go in front of the cameras, Jones began observing the people who worked with the models in different ways: photographers and makeup artists in particular. He began studying what they did … and proved to be a very fast learner.
“I got behind the scenes and started doing makeup,” he said. “Most top models are always around photographers, makeup and hair people. We know how to put people together. I understand hair, I understand makeup, I understand lighting.“
Jones went on to develop his own line of photography and makeup services, creating his own brand. He now has Billy Jones designer lipstick and lip gloss, among other products.Former model Billy Jones now has his own line of products.
“I want to launch someone else’s career through my products,” he said. “I’m here to put images together. We do hair, we do styling, then we create the look.”
In his Altamonte Springs studio, “We not only do photography, we submit layouts,” he said. “Because I’m doing beauty, I’m always submitting beauty layouts. Back in 1979, I was just starting out, but the things I’ve learned about this industry is it’s always changing and you have to keep ahead of it.”
Walking around his studio, where the walls are adorned with framed photos of his work, Jones said, “These are all the things I learned behind the scenes doing modeling. My studio is set up for beauty and headhsots. I control everything in this studio.”
After ending his modeling career in the late 1980s, Jones made a smooth transition into professional freelance photography.
“I learned how to become a photographer’s assistant,” he said. “I started shooting pictures that got published in Ebony, Essence, and other magazines,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of Salon posters. The photography has taken me all over the world.“
Despite his success in the Big Apple, Jones eventually migrated to Central Florida, and has been here ever since.
“I left New York because I needed a break from the hustle and bustle and I wanted to come to Orlando to become an event photographer,” he said. He did some work for the YMCA, which helped him make crucial contacts at Walt Disney World. The theme park giant liked his work and began using him. It led to gigs with the Orlando Magic and Universal Studios, among other big name clients.
“From that one job at the YMCA, it opened doors for me,” he said.
Today he uses his new studio to recruit models – of all ages. He said the industry has evolved, so that it’s no longer limited to teens or men and women in their early 20s.Magazines today are looking for models of all ages, Billy Jones says. (Photo by Michael Freeman).
“Being a model starts young, at age 8 or 9,” he said. “It’s what you wear. It’s the makeup you put on. It’s your hairstyle”
Today, magazines are also interested in more mature models, he said – a far cry from the 1970s when he first got into the business.
“There are other magazines out there now that want men and women in their 30s, 40s and 50s,” he said. “There’s a market for that now. I’m preparing to deal with women in their 40s. I’m looking for moms, too. Now you’re going to see a lot of magazines out there for women who are older, and I am on it. I also shoot a lot of designer eyewear. We use all different ages, all different nationalities for our lip gloss. Anything that has to do with health and fitness I’m all about.”
He works frequently with men as well.
“The industry is changing,” he said. “Most people think beauty is only women, but men are more invovled in beauty decisions now because they’re behind the camera.”
In August, Jones also plans to launch his Back to School with Billie tour, visiting local schools to recruit new talent and introduce young people to the field of modeling, makeup and photography.
”Billie is the nickname of my granddaughter,” he said. “Someday I hope she can run my company.”
In the meantime, “Over the next 90 days I’ll be touring high schools and colleges looking for talent,” he said. “I’m looking for people who have never done modeling before. They are the best ones to work with.”
To learn more about Bill Jones Cosmetics, call 407-394-6264.

Related posts

Comments

The world of beauty and fashion can be very exciting; with the right agent I’m sure there can be endless opportunities. This article is quite enlightening for the many avenues one can take in this industry and it seems Billy Jones has the enthusiasm and ambition to take on the challenge!

Hello Billy how are you im very interested in a modeling career. My name is DeAndre Harris I hope my age of 25 is still the ones you desire. For more information you know Cynthia Banks from East Orange NJ.her son Andre.Hello billy.

Billy jones this Is Ernest E. Clark photograph brother Pierre l worked at Wilhelmina model 7fl. long time no here . hula back. 401-265-5574. You were n orange n. J. I have a brother who lives n orange n. J. now

When I Woke Up, You Were All Dead

This story reverses the traditional formula of the mystery novel, which typically reveals a shocking crime and then starts the hunt for a suspect. In "The New Boarder," the reader knows who the suspect is, but has no idea what Janus has done.

About Freeline Media

We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the political and media industry.

Michael Freeman

Editor and Publisher at Freeline Productions LLCI have 22 years of experience in print journalism, having worked for a decade as a news reporter for an urban daily in Massachusetts, and then as an editor for a 38,000 circulation weekly newspaper in Central Florida. My background ranges from being a general assignment reporter to hiring writers, photographers, graphic artists and web designers. I have a solid background in all aspects of journalism, and now operate an online daily magazine. I belong to that field known as the "team players"; I work best when I can recruit and inspire excellent supporting staff to collaborate with me on projects that deliver solid results. I have have the ability to meet super-tight deadlines, a key ingredient to being successful in this field.